They say New York is the city that never sleeps, and while this is true, I’d argue that London comes a close second—only taking occasional naps. Having lived in the Big Smoke for over a decade I was accustomed, or you could say, felt entitled, to Sundays that were just as lively as the rest of the week. Restaurants were buzzing, Oxford Street was bustling, and museums were busy with families, couples and friends, all getting their culture fix. So, when I moved to Hamburg two years ago, I took the news pretty hard that on the seventh day, the whole city shuts down. Ka-put. Yup; my new-found, favourite restaurants closed their doors, wine bars weren’t available for a Sunday-afternoon tipple and boutiques were unequivocally out of action. When I realised that even supermarkets aren’t open — well, that’s still sinking in.
Slowly but surely, I adapted. Hamburg is blessed with a huge lake at its centre which, especially in the summer, is a beautiful place to take a picnic or hang out on the water. It’s also an incredibly green city with almost 1,500 parks to wander through, and I’ve noticed that Hamburgers are a healthy bunch, filling their Sundays with walks, run clubs, boating, football and cycling. After a while, I realised that prioritising rest, some fresh air and quality time with friends before the alarm clock goes off again on Monday morning, may not be such a bad thing. While in London, my friends were scattered across the sprawling capital, making it hard to meet up for a casual coffee. In Hamburg, it’s become normal to cook lunch together and just hang out.
Across Europe, it’s pretty standard for cities to quiet down on a Sunday. In Germany and France, almost all supermarkets close, while in Italy shops shut by midday, giving workers the afternoon to relax. While this tradition is rooted in religion, whatever your beliefs, it’s a no-brainer that taking a day for yourself, to unplug and unwind, is good for the mind, body and soul. Plus, it gives you the chance to see a different side of a city – whether that be your own, or while on holiday. With 25hours Hotels across Europe, as well as Asia, UAE and soon to be Australia, we know all about making the most of slowing down on your city break – especially as Sunday night stays tend to be a bargain! We’ve asked local tastemakers – from creative directors and founders to designers and models – for their advice on a Sunday well spent in their city.
Paris
You could say, the best things in Paris are available, no matter the day of the week. A walk along the Seine, getting lost in Le Marais, spotting the Eiffel Tower as it glitters, or drinking a coffee on one of the Place de la Concorde’s iconic green benches. But, while this will keep the tourists happy, our 25hours insiders have a few more ideas for those who aren’t as easily impressed.
Bianca Amaddeo, Visual Identity Director at Les Néréides
“Even living close to the Louvre, I notice that Sundays in Paris slow down a little bit. As a mum of two, I’m always looking for child-friendly ways to spend the weekend and you’ll find our family taking a walk along the Palais Royal park, grabbing a takeaway matcha from Café Kitsune and then, lunch at Villalys restaurant, which has the best couscous. Keep walking and you’ll stroll by the Seine and eventually into Le Carré des Antiquaires—an extraordinary neighbourhood known for its vintage and antique stores. You can wander around, before taking a seat in Par Rue du Bac and finishing with pizza for dinner at Marzo. A Sunday very well spent.
Kevin Grandel de Keating-Hart, Director Marketing, Communications and Partnerships at SO/ Paris
“Start in the Marais. Gramme is where I’d go — unfussy, seasonal food, good coffee, and a calm kind of energy that sets the tone. Afterward, stroll over to Square du Temple. It’s understated, tucked away, and somehow always feels like a local secret. If you’re in the mood for something warmer, head to Boubalé at Hôtel Grand Mazarin. The menu leans Mediterranean, the room feels inviting – the kind of place where lunch quietly becomes an afternoon. As the day stretches, take a slow walk along the Seine – from Pont Louis-Philippe to Pont Marie. If the timing’s right, the light hits the stone just so. Sunny Paris never really gets old. When you’re ready to press pause, Spa Codage at SO/ Paris offers that – a moment to yourself, high above the city. End the day in Batignolles. It has the charm of a village, with boutiques like Sœur and Jimmy Fairly lining its quiet, tree-lined streets. Stop by Parc Martin Luther King for a breath of open space, then settle in at Station Service, a laid-back 70s-style coffee shop, for a final espresso – the kind of place where time no longer matters. And that’s exactly the point.”
Berlin
Berlin may have a reputation for its party scene, but on a Sunday it grinds to a halt just like the other German cities. Even ravers need a break, right? Nevertheless, there’s still lots of chilled experiences to be had from Berlin Zoo to the modern art museum, DARK MATTER, but we also recommend checking out Tempelhof Airport. A cultural, historical and architectural landmark, the airport closed in 2008 and has since been developed into a huge inner-city park.
Fabienne Meyer, Artist and Founder of Supergloo PR Agency
“My Sundays are usually slow. While a lot shuts down in Berlin, flea markets really thrive! There’s so many to choose from but try Trödelmarkt Marheinekeplatz for antiques, the century-old Arkonaplatz flea market for furniture, records and books, and head to Rathaus Schöneberg for eclectic bargains. After a stroll around the markets, you can get the best ice cream at Duo Sicilian and walk to Viktoria Park—which even has its own waterfall. In the evening I love going to the cinema to end the week. I always go to Yorck Kino and love their curated selections and attention to detail.”
Dubai
Located in the commercial downtown district of One Central, old Dubai blends with the present. Here, you’ll find echoes of ancient Bedouin traditions alongside modern life, which is what this cutting-edge metropolis is all about. Photographer and Creative Director, Raghe Farah, is originally from Canada, but now splits his time between Barcelona and Dubai working across a scope of creative projects.
Raghe Farah, Photographer and Creative Director
“Sundays in Dubai are a much-needed break from the city’s fast-paced workweek. I usually start my day with a workout and then grab a bike for a ride along the beach walk. From there, Alserkal Avenue is my usual next stop for coffee and a bite. The new Efie Gallery has quickly become one of my favorite spots; especially their vinyl record room. I meet friends at Pili Pili BBQ in Al Jaffaliya, where the Zanzibari lamb and chicken dishes steal the show, so be sure to include them in your order.”
Hamburg
Germany’s second city, Hamburg, is known for its connection to the water. From its maritime history which sees its long-standing harbour still the site of an ever-popular 150-year-old fish market, to its 2,500 canals and Alster Lake, which sits at its centre; there’s plenty to see away from the stores and museums. Take a walk, make up a picnic, or even hire a boat and let your Sunday float away.
Martin Hufnagel, Founder and Creative Director of The Wasted Hour
“You realise you’ve become an adult when Sunday becomes your favourite day of the week! No mail, no scheduled phone calls—just my relaxing Sunday routine. If you’re staying here over the weekend, I’d recommend making a trip to Sven-Simon-Park in Blankenese, a beautiful area just outside of the city, where you can admire the architecture of Landhaus Michaelsen (one of my favourite buildings in Hamburg), and soak up the view. On the way back, stop at the rustic Quellental cafe for cake and coffee —or later in the day, for the best Wiener Schnitzel in town. And for the final leg of the perfect weekend tour, try the Golden Pudel Club, an iconic, alternative music venue, with fun, live performances to set you up for a busy week ahead.”
Copenhagen
One of Europe’s design capitals, any day spent in Copenhagen is bound to be picture-perfect. While winters are bitterly cold and require some taking cover in one of the many on-trend restaurants, spring and summer can be enjoyed simply by taking a meander through the pastel-hued streets, with legs dangling in harbour and open-air drinks at wine bars and waterside cafes.
“Sundays in Copenhagen are my favourite day of the week”
Carmen Urquízar, PR Manager for Stine Goya
“Sundays in Copenhagen are my favourite day of the week, especially during spring and summer. The city comes to life again with the streets filling with flea markets and al fresco dining. This might sound overwhelming, but the vibe remains very chill and peaceful. Start the day with a coffee and cheese bun at Hart Bakery, before heading to Reffen, which is the largest street food market in Northern Europe and opens up from the end of March. After something savoury, get a scoop of ice cream at Ismageriet, and then onto La Banchina by the harbour for an Aperol Spritz and a dip. I recommend staying until sunset when they start a bonfire and then cycling back home—the route back to the inner city is stunning.”
Magda Haghos, Fashion Designer
“On some weeks, Sunday is my only day off so I try to make something very cozy out of it. I live in Nørrebro and rarely leave my neighborhood, so if I’m roaming around with no plans, I’ll usually start at my favorite local spot, Dzidra. They serve a lovely coffee and even better food and pastries, all made in house. After that, I might stroll my way through Nørrebroparken or Assistens Cemetery to either Kølsters Tolv Haner or Kronborggade (depending on the weather) for a little afternoon beer. If I’m shopping for a Sunday dinner, I would walk down to Østens Bazar in Nordvest (it’s usually less crowded and they have a great selection of fruits and vegetables) or order take out from either Nittiya Thai Take Away, Durum Symfoni or Nihao Yao (best Taiwanese spot in Copenhagen!).”
Sophie Axon, Writer and PR Manager for Ferm Living
“While many European cities rest on Sundays, Copenhagen never truly sleeps. Shops, cafés, and museums remain open, inviting you to slow down without ever coming to a full stop. To Sunday like a local, wake early and begin with a quiet stroll around The Lakes, where Østerbro meets Nørrebro. Grab a coffee from Original Coffee along the way, and let the path lead you to SMK—the Statens Museum for Kunst—for a gentle dive into art. After a few hours, settle into the museum café with a book. The high ceilings and views of the lush garden outside make it feel like a sanctuary. When hunger calls, wander to Kompa9, a humble (underestimated) café with an authentic, lived-in charm. The smoked salmon and eggs is my go-to, and the vegetarian options never disappoint.”
Jakarta
Primo Rizky, Entrepreneur and Creative
“Jakarta has a different rhythm on Sundays — less traffic, fewer meetings, and a bit more room to breathe. I usually start the morning with a run during Car-Free Day, when the Sudirman-Thamrin boulevard is closed to vehicles and open to joggers, cyclists, and walkers. It’s a rare chance to enjoy Jakarta on foot, with the skyline in full view and no vehicles to navigate. After that, I’ll grab coffee around the Senopati area at my own cafe, Billy’s, and pick up croissants from BRAUD General Store. If I’m in the mood, I’ll head to Glodok for a comforting Chinese-Indonesian brunch. Afternoons are for museum-hopping, so I’ll go to Museum MACAN or Galeri Nasional. Or, if it’s sunny, I drive to PIK in the northern part of the city to walk my dogs by the beach and catch the sunset.”
